October 19/09 10:09 am - 'Cross on the Rock #3

Posted by Editoress on 10/19/09

Crosstoberfest, Providence Farm, Oct. 18th, Duncan BC

After an absolutely horrendous downpour all day Saturday, everyone was fairly surprised that race day dawned bright and sunny. Not even a mud puddle to show for all the rain. Hmpf. Not very cross-like. But most of the 93 racers that rolled into Providence Farm seemed pretty happy with the change in weather. Experience Cycling Club had done a great job setting up the venue, with the smell of bratwurst in the air, pumpkins lining the course, and registration set up on a hay ride trailer at the epicenter of the site. Crosstoberfest, indeed.

Race #1 (3 laps, 14 racers)

Beginner Men & Women

Many of the beginner racers didn't have a chance to pre-ride the course before the 11am start time. Probably best, as the pre-ride reports had many riders out of breath commenting on the amount of climbing required per lap. Good to let the beginners start well rested.

In the men's race, Aaraon Grant (Independent) took the early lead and did not look back, easily taking first place after his closest competitor, Rob Williamson (OBB) flatted and had to abandon. For the rest of the podium, experience proved superior as second time racer Greg Olson (OBB) overtook newbie Dan Brown (Independent) halfway through the race to claim second place. Of special note were performances by 12 year olds Tyson Black (Independent) who had the smoothest remounts of the bunch and Brody Hay (Healthy Habits) who gutted himself to make sure he was not lapped by the leader. The 22 minute Lighthouse Brewery beer prime went to Kim Cameron.

In the women's race, Rita Wania (Organic Athlete) chewed up most of the beginner men to take the women's win while a mechanical saw Monica Birch's (Independent) podium dreams slip away. Charlene Stewart (Independent) had a clean ride to take second place and Glenda Harling (Nanaimo Bicycle Club) had a consistent race to finish third.

Race #2 (5 laps, 30 racers)

Intermediate

The biggest field of the day was at high noon as 30 intermediate racers toed the line. With his wanna-be- Dik-Cox -locks flowing in the wind, Dylan Tremblay (OBB) made it look easy to take yet another win in the 'Cross on the Rocks series. Behind him, young Michael Brinton (Independent) was frothing at the mouth but could not close the gap and had to settle for second. The race for third place was a battle for all five laps but it was Roland Rabien (Tripleshot) who made a last lap move to take third place. Chris George (PT Performance Training) was so beer thirsty that he waited on the finish line for a minute and a half, allowing other racers to pass him so that he could claim the Lighthouse Brewery beer 22 minute prime. Not that's a dedicated beer drinker.

Race #3 (6 laps, 26 racers)

Master Men & Open Women

Fluffy is back! Aaron Dusseault (Russ Hayes) has been on the injured list for the entire cross season but must have been doing some secret workouts on the trainer because he was back with a vengeance to take the win in the Master men category. Dusseault took the hole shot and the Lighthouse Brewery 22 minute beer prime and never looked back to see David Holden (Procity Racing) trying to chase him down. Holden tried valiantly but could not close the gap and came second. Bill McMillan rode his mountain bike consistently to round out the podium in third. Much of the Masters field were a little embarrassed after being "chicked" by Kristenn Magnusson (Arrowsmith/Helly Hansen), who looked like she was playing ping pong with their egos. Kelly Jones (Sugoi) almost closed the gap when Magnusson flatted last lap, but had to settle for second place. Dawn Anderson (OBB/Everti) looked to be out for a sub-130 heart rate spin as she rolled across the line third place. Michelle Lantaigne (Independent) won the Lighthouse Brewery 22 minute beer prime.

Race #4 (8 laps, 23 racers)

Expert

There were many ooh and ahhs in the crowd as newly crowned Masters National Champion John Fokkema (Procity Cycles) unveiled his red and white jersey on the front row. But it was Craig Richey (Blue Competition Cycles) that took off from the gun to lead from wire to wire for the win. With a second to last call-up, Rob Britton (Trek/Procity) had to sift through the debris before he could hunker down and focus on the chase. But by then Richey was long gone, Britton had to settle for second. Third place looked to be a battle between Fokemma and Russell Anderson (Everti/OBB) until Fokemma was attacked by killer bees and had to abandon. More carnage followed as the DNFs continued. The Lighthouse Brewery 32 minute beer prime was won by Jeff Riemer (Arrowsmith) who strategically crashed, ensuring the closet competitor did not snake his suds.